1973 Ford Capri vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 135 kg more than 1973 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Capri | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1303 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
